Chicago Show 2012 Highlights: 2012 Dodge Dart GTS 210

To keep the spotlight shining on the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart, Chrysler has unveiled the Mopar-massaged 2013 Dart GTS 210 Tribute. The car pays homage to the performance-oriented Dart GTS of the 1960s, according to Chrysler, and incorporates many of the 150 Dart accessories that Mopar will offer once the Dart goes on sale later this year. It was introduced alongside three other Mopar-encrusted vehicles to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of Chrysler’s in-house parts arm.

What you see screwed to the 2013 Dart GTS 210 Tribute will be available in two staged kits starting in fall of 2012. The Stage 1 appearance package adds a new chin spoiler, side sills, rear spoiler, and rear-diffuser-style panel, all rendered in matte black. Titanium-colored, 10-spoke 18s fill each wheel well. The Stage 1 kit also features a bescooped real carbon-fiber hood, and a faux carbon-fiber roof appliqué that appears to be crafted from the same reasonably convincing stuff (let’s call it “karbon fiber”) as the hood stripes of the inaugural 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8s.

The pack brings an equally audacious interior renovation, with “Ruby Red” being the color of choice for the seats, door panels, center armrest, and map pockets. Black is the chosen hue for the stitching and the suede instrument cowl, while so-called black chrome is employed for sundry shiny trim pieces. A red-and-black, leather-wrapped steering wheel and new floor mats complete the high-contrast makeover.

The Stage 2 performance kit includes a cold-air intake, a cat-back exhaust, and an ECU recalibration that brings horsepower for the 2.4-liter four-cylinder MultiAir2 engine from 184 to “over 210” (hence the “210” in the car’s name). Torque is unspecified; according to a Chrysler spokesman, fine-tuning is not yet complete.

It should be noted that most of the GTS 210 Tribute’s components may be purchased separately, and that Darts with either the six-speed automatic or manual transmissions can be kitted. Cars will be able to be ordered and delivered from the factory with all accessories installed. Pricing for both packages probably won’t be announced until summer, according to Chrysler.